Where to Celebrate New Year, 2012, in Bangkok, Thailand

Central World Plaza all decorated for Christmas and New Year celebrations

The New Year’s Eve celebrations in Bangkok are amazing every year, and 2012 should be no exception. This year, just like last, many of the same places are still the best places to celebrate New Year, including these five.

Central World Plaza – Used to be known as The World Trade Center, it had a name change a few years ago (for obvious reasons!) so is now known as Central World Plaza. It’s the site of the best New Year’s Eve celebrations, with beer gardens, live music on two or three stages, big surround sound TV screens to show celebrations from all over Asia and the world, and tons of people. It’s also centrally located right next to the Chidlom Sky Train station, so easy to get to. Enjoy the Countdown to 2012 here and, as it’s the place Bangok’s official countdown happens, you might even find yourself on Thai TV.

Sanam Luang – The traditional Thai New Year is actually on April 13th to 15th every year, but Thais still get in on the fun of the Western New Year. The quieter, more traditional version (ie: for older folks) is held at Sanam Luang. Here you will see traditional Thai dancing, good Thai food stalls, the Mayor of Bangkok will speak, and there’ll be a stage with live music by older Thai bands. Even though it’s for the older crowd, it’s still a lot of fun as Thais do like to party!

Bed Supperclub – One of the most popular clubs in Bangkok, Bed Supperclub has actually come way down in price for New Year’s Eve, maybe too much competition? Once a ridiculous 7,500 baht ($240) for Bed Supperclub’s New Year’s bash, for 2012, they’re charging a more normal 1,000 baht ($33), and that even includes a free drink. Music by DJ Orawan and DJ Knatz. Bed Supperclub is located at 26 Soi Sukhumvit 11. 66 (0)2 651 3537

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel – Right next to the Chao Praya River, The Mandarin Oriental always does it just right. One of their restaurants, with not too expensive options, is The China House. It’s a gorgeous restaurant reminiscent of 1930s Shanghai, and a New Year’s Eve set dinner is only 8,000 baht (just over $266) per person. For an extravagant option, you can also dine at the Riverside Terrace for 19,000 baht (about $630) per person, but for this you will experience a truly amazing buffet dinner. The Oriental is 48 Oriental Avenue, Bangkok +66 (0) 2 659 9000.

Cabbages and Condoms – This restaurant is a wonderful place to support as all the proceeds go to AIDS prevention programs in Thailand. After dinner, instead of mints, you are given a condom – thus the name. Cabbages and Condoms serves traditional Thai food that is lovely. They have options to either sit inside, outside upstairs on a pretty wooden deck, or outside downstairs in the garden lit with little fairy lights. New Year’s Eve is always fun here and your money is also going to a worthy cause. Prices range from 200 baht (about $6 per entrée) all the way up to 600 baht (around $18) but the menu is huge, so there’s something for everyone. Cabbages and Condoms is on Sukhumit Soi 12. +66 (0) 2 252 7349.

If you’re planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Bangkok for the 2012 countdown, make sure you make reservations at one of these places as they fill up fast. Central World Plaza and Sanam Luang don’t need reservations, but be prepared for a crush of people as both places are very popular. Great fun though! Happy New Year.